Really? To be honest none of them makes a statement. However, the second one is too plain. If this is all you have in your closet, go for the first. And what's that you are holding in your hand? is it part of the attire? A smile can help cover some flaws, wear it next time.

What are other side zip options? Not necessarily committed to the brand, just the style.
I thought about the Hares, only thing is I don't really like the elongated pointed toe (nor the outer seam). Since they're still pretty pricey at retail/half off, those little gripes really kill them for me

Sutor is out of business but they make good boots, I have a pair of zip ones I like a lot (tan colour).

Yeah, I seem to see them pretty frequently. I assume people are trying to get them at the 'right price.' Why not just pay a bit more than what you saw them sell for one time and quit torturing yourself over them?
You don't actually want a pair yourself, do you? With the Yohji direction you've headed in I can't imagine it actually working into one of your outfits that well.

I'm dumb and indecisive. I love Yohji and antifit stuff, but some days I just don't feel like wearing so much volume. On those days I grab black slim jeans + sweaters (and is why I have a TOJ on the way). I also am getting a black chesterfield which I think will look good with the YY stuff, but it would also look good with my skinnier clothes which I don't wear doc martens with (skinny jeans + big foot is weird). So yeah, I kinda want some slim black boots for the "other half" of my wardrobe. :/